Baleba targets October debut for Manchester United after ankle injury delays £70m signing

Carlos Baleba is on course to make his Manchester United debut against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on October 10, with head coach Michael Carrick confirming the £70 million midfielder is expected back in group training this week after completing his first grass sessions during rehabilitation.

United signed the 22-year-old from Brighton in August, but Baleba had sustained an ankle ligament injury early in the Seagulls’ pre-season and arrived at the club already sidelined. Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Brighton and Sunday’s Premier League trip to Fulham are expected to come too soon for his debut, but a three-week international break gives him the runway he needs.

“He’ll be back in and around the group at some point over the next week or so, so that means after the international break, he should be in good shape,” Carrick said.

Baleba is the third central midfielder United have recruited this summer, joining Andrey Santos — signed from Chelsea for £50 million — and Youri Tielemans, who arrived from Aston Villa for £35 million. The trio represent a combined outlay of £155 million on the engine room of Carrick’s squad.

Carrick has spoken warmly of what Baleba will bring once fit, highlighting the distinct profile the Cameroonian international offers alongside the club’s other midfield options.

“Carlos, he came being injured and then he’s desperate to get out there and be part of the group and training fully with the boys,” Carrick said. “He’s a quality player, that’s why we brought him, and he balances off the dynamics of the midfield particularly well.”

Should Baleba come through the international break without setback, the Spurs fixture represents a high-profile stage for a debut that United supporters have been waiting on since the transfer window closed.